Biography

Carole Klein, 9 February 1942, Brooklyn, New York, USA. A proficient pianist from the age of four, King was a prolific songwriter by her early teens. When friend and neighbour Neil Sedaka embarked on his recording career, she followed him into the New York milieu, recording demos, singing back-up and even helping arrange occasional sessions. As a student at Queens College, New York, she met future partner and husband Gerry Goffin whose lyrical gifts matched Kings grasp of melody. She completed a handful of singles, including The Right Girl (1958), Baby Sittin, Queen Of The Beach (1959), prior to recording Oh Neil (1960), a riposte to Sedakas Oh Carol. Although not a hit, her record impressed publishing magnate Don Kirshner, who signed the Goffin/King team to his Aldon Music empire. They scored notable early success with the Shirelles (Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow),...